Recruiter champions the future of manufacturing at Made in the Midlands Exhibition #MIMExpo17

Made in the Midlands Exhibition
Stand No. F42
25th May 2017, Ricoh Arena

Midlands’ manufacturers encouraged to embrace the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) and workforce development to strike success in the next generation of manufacturing.

The Midlands has always been a hub for manufacturing innovation and excellence. As manufacturing enters a new era, many savvy, Midlands-based SMEs are embracing the so-called 4th Industrial Revolution which will see the manufacturing industry revolutionised once again by breakthrough emerging technologies such as automation and robotics, the internet of things, 3D printers, artificial intelligence and nanotechnology.

The organisations adapting their business models and implementing the shift towards digital and disruptive technologies will find themselves competing on an international stage, vastly more productive and with the capability to mass-customise products.

Specialist engineering and manufacturing recruitment consultancy, Jonathan Lee Recruitment, are partnering with many forward thinking SMEs in the region doing just this, and investing in their workforce to support the future skills needed to run new, modern, connected manufacturing plants.

David Woakes Group Business Development Manager explains: “We are partnering with a number of Midlands SMEs who are making strategic hires to capitalise on future 4IR opportunities.

4IR is a hot topic in Midlands manufacturing

“We are already seeing heightened demand for individuals possessing strong analytical and creative skill-sets, with the ability and foresight to initiate the factory of the future. The future skills needed to support Industry 4.0 is evolving, but a priority for individuals possessing technical, IT and mathematical backgrounds can be observed. Specific roles, such as design engineers, maintenance engineers and software engineers are key.

"Many of the future skills required by businesses are yet to be defined as the consumer led, 'mass customisation' phenomenon develops. Aside from desiring highly technical skills and abilities, the nature of a consumer led market will increase the importance and desirability of soft skills including negotiation, persuasion and collaboration.

"A significant number of businesses may struggle to attain the skills they need to make Industry 4.0 a reality, in which case interim managers can provide a solution - allowing fast access to a wealth of knowledge and experience, a popular compromise for many of our clients.”

Jonathan Lee Recruitment will demonstrate their commitment to the future of manufacturing and 4IR at Made in the Midlands Exhibition, taking place on the 25th May 2017 at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry. The recruiters will be offering their advice, supporting innovative businesses find the specialist skills to make the most out of the rapid advances in technology that are driving this new industrial age.

Helping SMEs access the right skills for the digital age

David Woakes concludes: “We are proud to be patron sponsors with Made in the Midlands and work with many Midlands manufacturing and engineering businesses. Jonathan Lee Recruitment has been placing candidates with manufacturing businesses across the Midlands for more than 38 years, so recognise the depth of talent and expertise concentrated in the region.

“The aligned belief, passion and ethos Made in the Midlands and Jonathan Lee Recruitment share reinforces the ongoing support for craftsmanship in the region and the exhibition is the perfect platform for industry leaders to come together and celebrate innovative local achievements.”

To meet the team from Jonathan Lee Recruitment visit Stand No. F42, Ricoh Arena, at Made in the Midlands Exhibition on the 25th May 2017. Consultants specialising within automotive, aerospace, power generation / energy, FMCG, rail, automation, sub-contract engineering and manufacturing will be attending. To pre-book an appointment please call 01384 397555